Mariners activate Gutierrez from disabled list

MINNEAPOLIS — The Seattle Mariners have activated outfielder Franklin Gutierrez from the disabled list, nearly two months after he went down with a concussion.

The move was made on Monday and Gutierrez was inserted into the lineup in center field for the season opener against the Minnesota Twins. He was injured on June 28 in a game against Boston when he was hit by a pickoff attempt from Franklin Morales hit him near the left ear.

The injury was initially diagnosed as a mild concussion. But Gutierrez was transferred from the seven-day list reserved for concussions to the 15-day list on July 14 and has spent the last two months working his way back.

Manager Eric Wedge says it’s great to get his right-handed bat back in the lineup.

Outfielder Casper Wells was optioned to Class AAA Tacoma to make room for Gutierrez on the 25-man roster.